Finding Time for Yourself as a Working Mom

By Jill Neil, Murad Working Parent

I’m sure any mother would agree that we would do just about anything for our children. It’s hard to put ourselves first when it’s our job to make sure our kids are not only cared for, but raised with love and encouragement. And for those of us who work full time and only see our kids a few waking hours each weekday, we want to spend as much time as possible with them outside of work because (even with the inevitable tantrums/fighting/whining) they are growing up so fast, we feel like we’re missing it.

So when Dr. Murad recommends we combat cell-damaging stress by carving out alone time to relax and focus on our passions, I never wonder WHAT I would do with that alone time; I wonder WHEN am I ever going to have time to do that? First of all, as a mother of two young kids, I’m never alone. Secondly, somebody always needs me – my kids, my husband, my employer, my friends or my family. I have obligations to these people in my life, especially the ones I’m raising and the ones who sign my paycheck, but I also know it is important that I find make time to take care of myself. We all should. After all, if we don’t take care of ourselves, how are we going to take care of those who depend on us?

Here are a few ideas for creating some “me time” in your busy schedule:

Make a deal with your spouse (or whoever you share kid duty with). You get Thursday nights for yoga, and he gets Saturday mornings for a bike ride. You get a weekend in Napa with your girlfriends, and he gets a weekend in Tahoe with the guys. Your partner will respect your “me time” much more when he gets his own as well. After all, you both need it!


Skip the birthday party for a pedicure. Kids invited to yet another birthday party? Have someone else take them while you sneak away for a mani/pedi.


Trade in the kids’ bath time once in a while for your own soak in the tub. Put them to bed 30 minutes early, add some essential oils to your bath, light some candles, pour a glass of wine and RELAX.


Create a pampering ritual for yourself – whether it’s a monthly massage during your lunch break or a weekly at-home facial after the kids go to bed. Make it part of your routine and DO IT.


Relish your alone time. Whether it’s a solo trip to Target or simply driving between school drop off and work, be mindful of this opportunity and browse a bit while you shop or turn off the car radio and enjoy the only minutes of silence you’ll have all day. Listen to your thoughts. Daydream. Breathe.

One last note. You should never feel guilty during your “me time.” If you do, that defeats the purpose. Make arrangements with your spouse and family ahead of time so they know this is YOUR time. After all, they will reap the benefits as well. You will return relaxed, recharged and ready to be a better mom, a better wife, a better employee…a better YOU!